Eaton Introduces Portfolio of Battery Pack Vent Valves for EVs
In a recent development, Eaton, a global power management company, has announced a new addition to its eMobility business – a single-stage vent valve for Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. This innovative valve serves as an overpressure relief system for the battery pack of an EV. Its primary function is to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle by preventing excessive pressure build-up within the battery pack, thereby enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of the EV’s power system.
“As the electrified vehicle market continues to grow, battery packs are becoming progressively more powerful and create more heat. OEMs are designing new safety systems to ease the impact of thermal events,” said Jens Buhlinger, manager, Battery Technology Development, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Our new battery vent valve is designed to enable rapid overpressure release in the battery pack.”
“Our new battery vent valve features an easily assembled quick-connect technology, reducing complexity for battery pack manufacturers while ensuring a robust connection that stays in place,” Buhlinger said. “Our quick-connect feature was developed based on proven technologies from our more than 30 years of experience in safety-critical fuel emissions venting.”
A battery pack thermal runaway situation can occur when individual cells inside the unit fail due to physical impact or short circuit. Eaton’s newly developed single-stage battery vent valve is designed to address this exact issue. It can be precisely and flexibly designed to meet specific opening pressures and optimize venting, contributing significantly to the safety and reliability of EVs. The valve’s proven resealing technology permits Eaton’s customers to specify very low opening pressures and testing for 100% functionality. This is a marked improvement over the conventional burst-valve technology, which is commonly used in the market today.
In addition to this, Eaton is also planning to introduce humidity management solutions that will be employed inside EV battery packs. These high-tech solutions will control the moisture levels within the battery environment, safeguarding the essential components from potential damage due to excess humidity. This advancement will further bolster the overall safety and performance of EVs, marking another significant stride in Eaton’s continuous efforts to drive innovation in the eMobility sector.
Learn more about Eaton’s single-stage battery pack vent valve.
